The event was sponsored by Royston Smith, MP for Southampton Itchen, whose constituency includes the Port of Southampton. The cross-party event was addressed by aviation and maritime minister Baroness Charlotte Vere and shadow maritime minister Mike Kane MP, and was attended by 25 other members of parliament.
Baroness Vere said the cruise industry had been "vital" to the economy, contributing £9.4 billion as well as creating jobs for "thousands" across the country.
"The pandemic halted the growth of the sector, and that is why we jointly created the cruise industry and government forum," said Vere. "We will continue to support the growth of the sector as it enters a year of renewal."
Andy Harmer, Clia managing director UK and Ireland, added thousands of agencies, operators and hotels across the UK "rely on a successful cruise industry". "The economic benefits of cruise tourism to port cities are well documented, and today was about recognising how these benefits extend beyond ports," he said.
The reception gave MPs an opportunity to hear more about the contributions of the cruise industry to local economies across the UK, and to speak to the senior cruise line and travel agent representatives who are spearheading its domestic growth.
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Also in attendance were several other travel industry figures, including Advantage Travel Partnership chief executive Julia Lo Bue-Said and Mundy Cruising managing director Edwina Lonsdale.
Kane paid tribute to the close relationship the cruise industry had built with parliamentarians, speeding up its post-pandemic return and efforts to transition to a net-zero agenda.
"Labour recognises the industry’s crucial role in bringing tourists to coastal towns and cities in all four nations of the UK," he said. "We also look forward to working with the industry as it continues its towards making cruise travel more sustainable through innovating new technologies and investing in our net-zero future.”
Smith added: "The cruise industry is extremely important to my constituency and our local economy, supporting many regional businesses and generating employment opportunities in cruise tourism.
"The cruise industry is not only important to Southampton, but to the UK as a whole, and brings great economic benefits to our country. I was pleased MPs, ministers, and key stakeholders involved in the industry were able to discuss the importance of cruise tourism to the UK, our economy and local communities."
